The program seeks to support new school librarians both professionally and personally in their efforts to become highly effective educators. Research indicates that student learning depends, in part, on constructing a school culture that fosters growth for students and staff alike. We believe that mentors and mentees will learn and grow together in this process. While we are certain that your district provided you with a mentor teacher (not always a school librarian), we aspire to pair you with a mentor with library experience, knowledge and a passion for our profession. The purpose of this program is to connect librarians across "the borders” of their school districts to learn from and support each other while growing a vibrant professional learning network across the region.

The Community of Practice for K-12 Computer Science Educators is a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing teaching practices and advancing the field of computer science education within K-12 settings. This dynamic community brings together educators, curriculum developers, and industry professionals who share a commitment to empowering students with critical computational skills and knowledge.

By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, this Community of Practice aims to inspire K-12 educators to engage their students in meaningful ways, and cultivate a love for computer science. Together, we can equip the next generation with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

In this professional development, you will unlock the creative potential of Canva for your classroom. This asynchronous online learning experience allows you to enhance your design skills at your own pace, facilitating a smooth integration of visual communication into your teaching practice. You will explore Canva's AI tools, including automated design suggestions, and discover how to utilize a variety of features and assets available in the educator version.

Below you will find some (but not all) of the topics we will be diving into:

• Templates: Learn how to effectively use Canva's extensive library of templates to create customized educational materials.
• Video Creation: Master the tools and techniques for producing engaging and interactive videos for your classroom.
• Presentations: Design visually appealing presentations that enhance your lessons and capture your students' attention.
• AI Tools: Leverage Canva's AI features to streamline your design process and generate creative ideas.
• Assets Available in the Educator Version: Access and utilize a wide range of exclusive assets tailored for educators to enrich your content.

Discover the endless possibilities Canva offers for creating visually compelling learning materials. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school students, this professional development is tailored to address your specific needs and objectives, providing practical tools and strategies for effective Canva integration. You will gain hands-on experience with designing engaging presentations, interactive worksheets, and visually appealing classroom resources.

NOTE: There are no in-person workdays. Please ensure that times and dates are recorded in Frontline.

Book Study: Elevating Educational Design with AI

Explore "Elevating Educational Design with AI" by Catlin Tucker and Katie Novak, a guide to integrating AI into equitable, student-centered learning while preserving the essential human element of teaching.

What You'll Learn:

• Leverage AI within Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Understanding by Design (UbD).
• Create equitable, inclusive, and personalized learning experiences.
• Explore practical applications of tools like ChatGPT for lesson design.

Key Topics:

• AI as a Catalyst: Streamlining work while improving learning.
• Equity: Breaking barriers to create accessible opportunities.
• Human Element: Balancing AI with teacher expertise.
• Building Resilience: Empowering students and educators.

Format:

• 1: Foundation - Frameworks and adaptive teaching.
• 2: Equity - Strategies for inclusive learning.
• 3: Personalization - Tailored instruction with AI.
• 4: Resilience - Supporting growth and adaptability.

Who Should Join?

Ideal for educators, instructional designers, and school leaders seeking to use AI responsibly to enhance student-centered learning.

Let's explore the intersection of writing and artificial intelligence in education In this workshop, we will delve into the emerging challenges and opportunities AI introduces into the classroom, particularly in writing and content creation. With tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies becoming increasingly accessible to students, educators face a critical question: How can we address the challenge of students submitting AI-generated content? Our session will cover practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly and ethical considerations for nurturing authentic writing skills in a digital age. Do not miss this chance to gain valuable insights and collaborate with fellow educators on innovative approaches to maintaining academic integrity and fostering creativity.